I push past Maddox before he sees the tears burning my eyes and take the final few steps until my slippers meet dirt. “I’m home. Your job is done.”

Maddox blows out a breath, casts one final wary look toward the guards, and then nods. He opens his mouth, as if to say something, but must think better of it because he turns and vanishes into the mist without a word of goodbye.

We were never friends, but we were at least acquaintances. Surely, I deserve more than silence. Then again, perhaps he blames me for the terrible fate that has befallen Ever. And for good reason. If Ever and I had never crossed paths, he’d be marrying an Unseelie woman, protected by the village.

Now he’s all alone in a forest full of monsters waiting to devour him.

Monsters with red eyes and blood dripping from their razor-like teeth.

I press a hand to my racing heart, forcing myself to breathe through the panic rising in my chest. Knowing I’m safe now doesn’t ease the unending ache. Not when Ever is still in danger.

Voices carry from where the guards continue to converse. Two more appear over the horizon, flaming roses emblazoned on their black armor. Instead of going left where they’re congregating, I swing right and take the ring road around the city.

The state of me; if anyone sees there’s sure to be talk. If only Ever had given me time to wash the blood from my clothes. If only I’d convinced him to let me stay.

“Good heavens, Kerris. Are you all right?”

My head snaps up and I see Trevor standing at his cottage gate, his jaw hanging open as he stares at the bloody smears across my silken skirts.

Are you all right?

No…I couldn’t be further from all right.

A sob tears from my chest, and my legs give out, leaving me in a heap in the middle of the cobblestones.

He’s gone. He’s gone. He’s gone.

I barely hear Trevor’s curse over those two words poisoning my mind.

Warm hands gently clasp my elbows, helping me to my feet, escorting me on unsteady legs into the cool darkness of Trevor’s quaint cottage. He doesn’t stop until we reach the tiny dining area. When he drags out a chair for me, I fall onto the seat with a garbled thanks and drag my sleeve beneath my runny nose. I need to get myself together, but all I’m able to do is fall apart.

From the tap, Trevor fills a glass of water and presses the drink into my hand. “Take a deep breath, have a sip of this, and tell me what happened.”